Tech Report: Apple fined in Italy as tech giants face growing legal and market pressure

Apple has been fined more than 116 million dollars by Italy’s antitrust regulator over what officials call excessively burdensome privacy rules imposed on third-party app developers.

(LILAMAX)- Apple has been fined more than 116 million dollars by Italy’s antitrust regulator over what officials call excessively burdensome privacy rules imposed on third-party app developers. Italy’s Competition Authority says Apple abused its dominant position in the App Store market by forcing developers to comply with disproportionate data collection requirements that go beyond existing privacy laws. The fine follows…

Supreme Court blocks Trump effort to deploy National Guard in Illinois crime crackdown

The Trump administration is weighing its next steps after the Supreme Court blocked an effort to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois as part of a crime crackdown.

(NBC)- The Trump administration is weighing its next steps after the Supreme Court blocked an effort to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois as part of a crime crackdown. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the ruling a win for democracy and said it represents an important step in curbing what he described as the Trump administration’s abuse of power. The…

Morning Business Report: Gift cards, subscriptions drive last-minute holiday spending as markets hit record highs

Gift cards remain one of the most popular last-minute holiday gifts, with spending expected to reach 29 billion dollars this year.

(LILAMAX)- Gift cards remain one of the most popular last-minute holiday gifts, with spending expected to reach 29 billion dollars this year. Subscription services are also seeing strong interest. From digital experiences to meal kit deliveries scheduled for January, experts say non-shipping gifts are fast, thoughtful and arrive instantly in inboxes — making them an attractive option for procrastinating shoppers….

California mother accused of killing 9-year-old daughter after multi-state road trip

A California mother is behind bars, accused of killing her own daughter after a months-long search that ended in tragedy.

(NBC)- A California mother is behind bars, accused of killing her own daughter after a months-long search that ended in tragedy. Investigators say nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard died from gunshot wounds to the head. Her body was discovered earlier this month in a remote area of Wayne County, Utah. The child’s mother, 40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, was arrested at her home in…

Publix dessert, So Delicious ice cream and Blue Wave pools among new recalls

Allergy risks, contamination concerns and child safety hazards prompt multiple recalls across consumer products

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Families across Middle Georgia, it’s time for your weekly recall watch list, where we look inside those pantries, freezers, and medicine cabinets to ensure you’re not being affected by popular consumer goods. Publix coffee cake recalled over labeling error Publix has recalled a batch of its Maple Walnut Coffee Cake after discovering a labeling error that…

Extremely warm conditions likely Christmas Eve

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – . This Evening It’s been a pretty warm day for Middle Georgia as temperatures have again exceeded expectations for highs. Almost everywhere around the region got to or over 70 this afternoon. It will be a mild night under clear skies as the wind will generally flow from the west-southwest around 5 mph. Expect lows to…

Holiday travel surge brings heavy traffic through Georgia, local sheriff urges drivers to slow down

With more than 122 million Americans expected to travel, Monroe County ramps up patrols and warns drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- AAA says more than 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this holiday season. Heavy traffic is expected nationwide — including through Monroe County. Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman said this could be one of the busiest travel periods yet. “Pretty heavy,” Freeman said. “From what I understand, it’s going to be one…

UPDATE: Another candidate enters race for Georgia State Senate District 18

The special election will be held January 20, with early voting beginning December 29.

MGNUPDATE (12/23) – In a news release sent to 41NBC, lifelong Thomaston resident Eugene Allison has officially announced his candidacy for the Georgia State Senate, District 18. “I would be greatly honored to earn your support in the 2026 Republican Primary. I am committed to fighting for justice, safety, families, and the constitutional freedoms that protect us all,” said Allsion. According…

Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops in Macon with free photos and family fun

Santa Claus is back in Macon, and with him comes a beloved holiday tradition for families across Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bass Pro Shops has officially opened Santa’s Wonderland, a free in-store Christmas experience that includes studio-quality photos with Santa, festive crafts, games, and holiday giveaways. The event runs through Christmas Eve and is open to families of all ages. Michael O’Brien, General Manager of Bass Pro Shops in Macon, says the event has become a multigenerational…

Hollywood Minute: Final episodes of Stranger Things revealed as film release dates shift

Fans preparing to say goodbye to Stranger Things now know exactly how much time to set aside for the show’s final chapters.

(CNN)- Fans preparing to say goodbye to Stranger Things now know exactly how much time to set aside for the show’s final chapters. Show co-creator Ross Duffer revealed on Instagram that episodes five, six, and seven — debuting Thursday, December 25 — will each run between just over an hour and roughly an hour and fifteen minutes. The series finale,…

U.S. launches new strike as Trump ramps up pressure on Venezuela

The United States carried out another lethal strike overnight, targeting what officials described as a “low-profile vessel” in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

(NBC)- The United States carried out another lethal strike overnight, targeting what officials described as a “low-profile vessel” in the eastern Pacific Ocean. U.S. Southern Command said the operation was conducted at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and involved a vessel “operated by designated terrorist organizations.” Officials say one suspected narco-terrorist engaged in drug trafficking was killed in…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores December 15-19

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, December 15 and Friday, December 19.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This week’s Restaurant Report Card provides food service inspection scores across Middle Georgia, as released by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, December 15 and Friday, December 19. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

Morning Business Report: Economic reports, Paramount deal, and holiday spending trends drive business news

A slate of key economic reports is being released today, offering a fresh snapshot of the strength of the U.S. economy.

(LILAMAX)- A slate of key economic reports is being released today, offering a fresh snapshot of the strength of the U.S. economy. The reports include updated figures on consumer confidence, durable goods orders, and gross domestic product — all closely watched indicators of economic momentum. Meanwhile, a major media merger is gaining new traction. Paramount–Skydance has added a significant assurance…

Video shows California mother ramming burglars’ getaway car to protect children

Newly released video shows a California mother taking extreme action to stop burglars after learning her three young children were inside the home during a break-in.

(NBC)- Newly released video shows a California mother taking extreme action to stop burglars after learning her three young children were inside the home during a break-in. The incident unfolded as the woman was away getting coffee while her mother was inside the house watching the children. While on the phone, she realized suspects were breaking in. “I see the…

Dangerous fugitive sought after escape from DeKalb County Jail

Federal authorities are searching for 24-year-old Stevenson Charles, who the U.S. Marshals Service says is extremely dangerous following an escape from the DeKalb County Jail.

(CNN)- Federal authorities are searching for 24-year-old Stevenson Charles, who the U.S. Marshals Service says is extremely dangerous following an escape from the DeKalb County Jail. Charles was being held in DeKalb County while facing new murder and theft charges connected to the 2022 shooting death of a 24-year-old man from Cumming. Investigators say Charles allegedly killed the victim and…

How parents can help teens stay healthy during holiday break

As students head home for the holiday break, the time off from school can be both refreshing and disruptive, especially for teens.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dr. Paritosh Kaul, an adolescent care pediatrician with Atrium Health Navicent, says while the holidays bring excitement, they can also throw off routines that are important for young people’s physical and mental health. Screen time is another area parents should monitor. With more free time at home, teens often spend additional hours on phones, video games…

Bicyclist killed in crash on Gray Highway in Jones County

The driver remained on scene as deputies continued investigating the crash near Braswell Lake Road.

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man was killed Monday afternoon after being hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle on Gray Highway near Braswell Lake Road. In a Facebook post just after 3:30, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and first responders were working a fatality crash in the area and warned drivers to avoid the area and…

Deputies: 15-year-old driver in custody after 110 mph chase in Jones County

Deputies say the pursuit reached speeds of more than 110 miles per hour before ending with a PIT maneuver.

Credit: Jones County Sheriff’s OfficeGRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A traffic stop in Gray early Monday morning turned into a high-speed chase involving a juvenile driver. According to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, around 2:30 a.m., an officer with the Gray Police Department tried to stop a black Nissan Sentra on Atlanta Road near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Deputies say…

First Marriott hotel opens in Perry near Georgia National Fairgrounds

The dual-branded Fairfield and TownePlace Suites is designed to support growing demand tied to the Georgia National Fairgrounds.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new Fairfield by Marriott and TownePlace Suites has officially opened in Perry, marking the first Marriott hotel in the city and the only one within a 15-mile radius. The dual-branded hotel comes after years of development and is designed to meet the growing demand brought in by the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The hotel features amenities…

Tucker Road to close for up to 90 days for bridge work in north Macon

The closure is part of a major bridge reconstruction project over Rocky Creek near Interstate 475.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A long-term closure is coming to Tucker Road in north Macon as the Georgia Department of Transportation moves into the next phase of a major bridge reconstruction project. GDOT says Tucker Road between Foster Road and Peake Road will close to through traffic starting at 8 a.m. Friday, January 16. A signed detour will be in…

Crimestoppers seeking man wanted for aggravated assault in Crawford County

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME (1-877-682-7463).

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon Regional Crimestoppers is spotlighting five individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies across Middle Georgia as part of its weekly effort to encourage community involvement in locating fugitives. Crimestoppers partners with media outlets and law enforcement agencies in eight Middle Georgia counties, offering anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals are wanted:…

Hollywood Minute: “Marty Supreme” scores best per-theater average as Netflix renews hit series

A strong debut and major streaming news are highlighting a busy week in entertainment.

(CNN)- The new drama Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, delivered an impressive limited opening at the box office. The film debuted in ninth place with $875,000 in ticket sales while playing in just six theaters nationwide. That translates to an average of nearly $146,000 per screen — the highest per-theater average of any film released this year. The movie is…

Congress, survivors blast DOJ over missed Epstein file release deadline

Frustration is mounting on Capitol Hill and among survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after the Department of Justice failed to meet a Friday deadline

(NBC)- Frustration is mounting on Capitol Hill and among survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after the Department of Justice failed to meet a Friday deadline required by law to release all remaining Epstein-related files. Lawmakers from both parties — who have led efforts to force the disclosure — are now threatening to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in…

Morning Business Report: Santa Claus Rally, new prediction markets, and last-minute 2025 tax moves

Investors are heading into the final trading days of the year with optimism, as markets often see what’s known as the “Santa Claus Rally.”

(LILAMAX)- Investors are heading into the final trading days of the year with optimism, as markets often see what’s known as the “Santa Claus Rally.” The late-December bump is typically fueled by holiday spending, year-end bonuses, and renewed confidence in the year ahead. In the sports and finance world, DraftKings is expanding beyond traditional wagering with the launch of a…